A comparative assessment of acceptance of different types of functional appliances

Patients' acceptance of an orthodontic appliance may influence compliance and thus contribute to a successful outcome of treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of shape and design of different types of functional appliances on their acceptance by patients. For each of 10 adult volunteer subjects employed in the study eight different functional appliances were fabricated which had a varying extension of the resin base and amount of interocclusal opening. Effects of appliances on speech, initial acceptance, and acceptance after wearing were assessed by means of standardized tests. Amongst the appliances tested the bionator, functional corrector FR-I and elastic open activator showed the highest acceptance by the test subjects. The results of the study indicate that there is a considerable difference in acceptance of various types of functional appliances.